Peptides Investigative Report by Lauren Soo https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf Hi GSV Sporting Association executive. My name is Lauren and I am a sports scientist funded by the CGGS Anti-Doping Agency. This my research project focusing on the use of peptides to enhance sport performance. en-us 2023-03-18 04:57:10 UTC 2023-03-19 22:23:54 UTC hello@padlet.com https://i2.wp.com/diyhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Human-Growth-Hormones-2.jpg?resize=800%2C545&ssl=1 What are peptides? sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521511209 Peptides are a generic term for a small protein (consisting of a short string of 2 to 50 amino acids). They are found in protein-rich foods such as meat and fish, as well as in every cell and tissue of our body! 

However, peptides can also be man-made (synthetic) and stimulate the release of growth hormones. These chemical messengers instruct bodily processes which promote bone and tissue growth.

Peptides are a natural alternative for anabolic steroids. However, according to Professor Ken Ho (a world renowned hormone expert), there is no scientific evidence that peptides bring performance benefit.
]]> 2023-03-18 05:02:48 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521511209 Health and Cosmetics sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521512033 Collagen peptides are found in health and cosmetic products (such as serums and moisturisers) and are used or anti-aging and skin health.]]> 2023-03-18 05:05:50 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521512033 Sports where peptides are most commonly taken illegally sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521517373 Peptides are used in sports which require power and strength.

These include:
  • Bodybuilding - athletes try to alter their body composition by using GHS (growth hormone secretagogues).
  • AFL players - In 2012, 34 Essendon FC players were found guilty of using the banned peptide Thymosin beta-4 which enables higher training loads to be completed and aids soft tissue recovery.
  • Cyclists - many cyclists have been guilty of taking HGH (human growth hormone) to improve their endurance and ultimately gain an advantage over their competitors.
]]> 2023-03-18 05:32:42 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521517373 Positive Physiological Effects sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521520027 On the musculoskeletal system:
  • Positively changes body composition and muscular performance
  • Improves lean muscle growth
  • Reduces muscle damage
  • Shortens soft tissue repair and the time it takes to recover from injury
]]> 2023-03-18 05:44:43 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521520027 Why are these beneficial for athletes trying to gain an unfair advantage? sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521521140 Peptides are beneficial to athletes who want to increase their strength, endurance and lean muscle. They also can speed up recovery from injury which is invaluable to athletes and gives them an edge to their competitors.

Although the side effect of extreme hunger may not be favourable to all athletes, it is advantageous for bodybuilders who are trying to consume more protein.

It is important to note that peptides are also hard to detect as they penetrate the skin and intestines and are quickly absorbed by the bloodstream. This is why peptides are preferred by athletes because they have to get doping tests done regularly.]]> 2023-03-18 05:50:00 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521521140 Medicine/Treatment sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521521646
Furthermore, therapeutic peptides are injectables that hold great promise for cancer treatment. The NRC-3 peptide, for example, is used to fight breast cancer, while the RGD peptide is used to target tumours. Therapeutic peptides are a prescription-only substance in Australia, which means they can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.  

Insulin is another peptide hormone which is taken by a Type 1 diabetic to control their blood sugar. ]]> 2023-03-18 05:51:52 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521521646 Short term risks sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521522160 Physiological (physical) risks:
  • High cholesterol 
  • Hair loss 
  • Swelling 
  • Aches and pains 
  • Intense hunger 
  • Increase in heart rate
  • Muscles may look bigger, but they aren’t necessarily stronger. It comes down to fluid retention as the muscle tissue has more water rather than muscle fibre. 
]]> 2023-03-18 05:54:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521522160 sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521621545 2023-03-18 11:13:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521621545 sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521622788
On the cardiovascular system:
  • Cardiovascular peptides help maintain cardiovascular homeostasis
  • Improves exercise/cardiovascular capability 

Other:
  • Improves stamina 
  • Improves sleep quality 
  • Decreases body fat levels
  • Increases energy
  • Kills microbes
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Prevents the formation of blood clots
]]> 2023-03-18 11:16:31 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521622788 Long term risks sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521628420 Physiological (physical) risks:
  • Accelerate the growth of cancer  
    • In January 2013, Jon Mannor (a NRL player from the Cronulla Sharks) death from Hodgkins Lymphoma was suspected to be accelerated from the use of peptides. 
  • On the cardiovascular system - excess growth hormone can lead to an enlarged heart muscle.

Psychological (mental) risks:
  • CRF (an injectable peptide which helps the brain experience happiness) has been susceptible to switching and causing long term stress and depression.
]]> 2023-03-18 11:31:20 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521628420 Testing procedures undertaken by anti-doping agencies sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521632233
  • In the past, there hasn’t been a reliable test for HGH to distinguish between what is natural and what is synthetic so many athletes have been able to get away with doping.
  • Advanced doping tests are expensive and require specialty trained experts.
  • Urine tests detect the recent use of peptides. They only detect drugs taken within the last 2-3 days.
  • Hair follicle tests detect long term drug use within the last 90-100 days.
    • ]]>     2023-03-18 11:42:55 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521632233     HGH (Human Growth Hormone) sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521632893 The most used peptide in sport is HGH (human growth hormone). HGH is a naturally occurring molecule released by the pituitary gland. These are banned by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).]]> 2023-03-18 11:45:06 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521632893 sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521999982 2023-03-19 04:55:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2521999982 Dyson Heppell sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522001904 Heppell was one of 34 Essendon players involved in the 2012 drug program. He was found guilty of taking thymosin beta-4 which enhances muscle growth, and speeds healing. He was suspended by the AFL for two years.]]> 2023-03-19 05:02:59 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522001904 Dwain Chambers sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522006229 In 2003, Chambers (a former European 100m champion and British track champion) tested positive for HGH (Serotism) and insulin (Humalog) along with other drugs. He was banned for two years and not allowed to compete in the Athens Olympics.]]> 2023-03-19 05:19:51 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522006229 Mike Jacobs sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522008386 Jacobs is an American baseball player who tested positive for HGH in 2011. He took peptides in attempt to overcome knee and back problems. He was suspended by the Major Baseball League for violating guidelines and served a 50 game suspension.]]> 2023-03-19 05:29:58 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522008386 Patrik Sinkewitz sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522008942 Sinkewitz is a German cyclist who is currently suspended until 2024 for doping. His A and B samples revealed he had taken recombinant growth hormone (recGH) during the 2011 Grand Prix of Lugano.]]> 2023-03-19 05:31:48 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522008942 Terry Newton sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522515737 Newton is a British rugby league player who was found guilty of taking human growth hormone. The UK Anti-Doping authority placed a two-year ban on Newton and he was fired from his club, Wakefield.]]> 2023-03-19 21:34:18 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522515737 following this referencing sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522519656 2023-03-19 21:42:58 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522519656 References sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522532719 2023-03-19 22:08:26 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522532719 Jordan Schafer sool5 https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522539336 As top prospect for the Atlanta Brave, Schafer was suspended 50 games for taking human growth hormone.]]> 2023-03-19 22:23:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sool5/tseq68gtsaclbszf/wish/2522539336